I have gleaned a little something from this thread......
I'm beginning to notice a distinct difference between the way N. Americans and Europeans participate in this thread....
It's a point that's interested me for a while. Other than the jealousy of "why do they get cheaper fuel than us!"
For most of the countries in Europe fuel taxation has been a thing since the inception of the common use motor vehicle. The fuel taxation act of 1910 here in the UK replaced the way it was taxed before, as prior to this most motor vehicles were commercially owned the revenue was raised from commercial taxes.
When the private individuals started to take up buying motor cars at such a rate that it put a strain on supplies of fuel oils the government in the UK followed those in other near countries and taxed it. There was also the huge infrastructure that was needed to support this which was invested in early on.
The USA, from what I can find in a bit of research, didn't bring in fuel taxation until over 20 years later and the widespread use of the motor car by the public was much more advanced. The reduced competition from neighbouring countries and the fact the US has always heavily subsidised oil exploration means it's kept cheaper.
The main reason behind the mentality of it though is that in Europe it's been taxed since day 1 people started owning motor cars so it's been accepted as part and parcel of ownership. In the US they didn't try and tax it until too late in the adoption of ownership so it's never been able to be accelerated at the level of some other countries.
Of course those in countries like Venezuela and Bolivia where the governments actively subsidise the cost of fuel at the pump and pay $0.25 a gallon (US) would argue that fuel is expensive everywhere.
As a personal point I think that those in countries like Denmark, Germany etc where fuel is highly taxed at least get the benefit of well maintained road networks and well funded road service teams.
Here in the UK we get a totally bum deal, massively high fuel costs and the road network is a shambles. There's potholes on some of the "main" roads around here that are inches deep and pop tyres and shatter rims on a regular basis but they never get repaired properly, just filled and then they sink again a few months later.
I have, out of necessity, had to accept the high fuel costs though and it does limit where and when we can go away. Even with an efficient diesel engine doing a 600 mile round trip is easily costs me $300+ in diesel.
Thanks for the informed and passionate debate though. Very much enjoy seeing perspectives from all round the world.
Alex
